US5058635A - Gas cartridge inflator having hollow pin of truncate extent - Google Patents
Gas cartridge inflator having hollow pin of truncate extent Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US5058635A US5058635A US07/523,154 US52315490A US5058635A US 5058635 A US5058635 A US 5058635A US 52315490 A US52315490 A US 52315490A US 5058635 A US5058635 A US 5058635A
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- bore
- pin
- head
- inflator
- tubular member
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
- B63C9/00—Life-saving in water
- B63C9/24—Arrangements of inflating valves or of controls thereof
Definitions
- This invention relates to an improved gas cartridge inflator having a unique piercing pin disposed therewithin for inflating life vests, life rafts and the like.
- U.S. Pat. No. 3,911,762 to Mackal et. al. shows an apparatus where the cartridge is pierced by rotating a bell crank about a pivot shaft. The rotation of the lever causes a solid piercing pin to rupture the gas cartridge.
- One prior art pin is formed by bending a flat plate into a tubular configuration, thereby producing a longitudinally extending slot therein.
- That pin has a relatively weak, elongate construction and thus it is relatively unsupported at the base into which it is driven.
- Another drawback of that pin is its two piece construction.
- the first bore has a longitudinal extent less than the longitudinal extent of the novel pin so that the head of the pin extends outwardly from the first bore when the pin is slidably received therein.
- a generally "L"-shaped lever arm or bell crank is pivotally secured to the inflator and has a cam surface that rests atop the head of the novel hollow pin when the lever arm is unpivoted.
- the cam surface bears against the head of the pin and displaces the pin so that its cartridge-piercing end is driven into the thin center of the C0 2 cartridge positioned in the second bore, thereby puncturing it.
- a tubular part of the pin is hollow and accordingly directs the escaping gases through the truncate body of the pin into a third bore, also formed in the inflator, that is in open fluid communication with the inflation manifold of an article to be inflated.
- More specific objects include the provision of a strong, one-piece truncate hollow pin that consistently produces round punctures in gas cartridges, that is free of misalignment problems, and that is easy to manufacture.
- FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of the novel pin
- FIG. 2 is an end view thereof
- FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3--3 in FIG. 1;
- FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the novel inflator.
- Pin 10 includes a frusto-spherical head 12 having cylindrical side walls 14, a cylindrical neck 16 of reduced diameter and an annular guide ring 18 having the same diameter as head 12.
- Cylindrical boss member 20 is integral to guide ring 18 and projects distally therefrom as shown; boss 20 enables formation of a radial aperture in the pin as will become more clear as this description proceeds. It also supports the base of hollow tubular member 22, thereby enabling the shortening of said tubular member without adversely affecting its structural integrity.
- An annular bevel 19 reduces the diameter of the boss member 20 to the common diameter of neck 16 and hollow tubular member 22.
- Tubular member 22 has a wedge-shaped or cartridge-piercing pointed distal end 24. As shown in FIG. 2, end 24 is round when seen in end view.
- Fluid passageway 26 extends radially outwardly with respect to the longitudinal axis 28 of pin 10 as perhaps best understood in connection with FIGS. 2 and 3 and longitudinally extending fluid passageway 30, defined by tubular member 22, provides fluid communication between passageway 26 and gaseous fluid from a pierced gas cartridge.
- first bore 32 which is formed substantially centrally of substantially solid inflator 40.
- Head 12 and the guide ring 18 are of the same diameter and cooperate to maintain pin 10 in operable position within first bore 32.
- the distal end of tubular member 22 extends into a reduced diameter section 34 of the first bore, i.e., bore 34 is confluent with first bore 32.
- bore 34 is called the fourth bore.
- An annular shoulder 36 is defined where first and fourth bores 32 and 34 meet; the distal end of spring 38 is supported by said shoulder 36. "O" rings 35 and 37 are also provided.
- Bore 34 is also confluent with second bore 44 which is internally threaded as at 42 and which screw threadedly receives a pressurized gas cartridge such as a C0 2 cartridge (not shown).
- a pressurized gas cartridge such as a C0 2 cartridge (not shown).
- piercing end 24 of pin 10 is precisely centered with respect to bore 44, thereby ensuring that the thin center of a cartridge positioned therein will be punctured when the piercing end 24 is driven into said cartridge.
- Bore 44 has an outer end flush with the surface of inflator 40 as shown, i.e., said outer end of bore 44 is in open fluid communication with the external environment or ambient.
- pin 10 exceeds the longitudinal extent of first bore 32; accordingly, a substantial part of head 12 protrudes proximally therefrom as shown.
- Lever arm or bell crank 46 has cam surface 48 that abuttingly engages head 12 when said bell crank is in its equilibrium position as depicted; spring 38 serves to maintain it in said position.
- Crank 46 is pivotally mounted about pivot shaft 50 so that rotation of lever arm 46 about said axis 50 (by pulling on lanyard 52 in the direction of arrow 51) drives head 12 into bore 32, as those skilled in the mechanical arts will readily appreciate upon inspection of FIG. 4.
- the cam surface 48 serves as a driving means for driving pin 10 into the gas cartridge. It should be observed that pivot shaft 50 is in longitudinal alignment with the axis of symmetry of the first and second bores, 32 and 44, which axis is the longitudinal axis of symmetry of inflator 40.
- hump 47 of crank 46 ensures that lanyard 52 will execute a gentle return bend when pulled in the direction of arrow 51, i.e., a sharp, abrading bend of lanyard 52 is eliminated by said hump 47.
- pin 10 Since pin 10 is an integral unit, displacement of head 12 drives tubular member 22 and its pointed end 24 into second bore 44 and into rupturing engagement with the thin center of a gas cartridge that might be situated therein, forming a round hole for the escape of gases therethrough. All gas exiting the ruptured cartridge may flow through the passageways 30 and 26 that are formed in tubular member 22 and boss 20, respectively, said flow including a ninety degree bend. Passageway 26 is confluent with third bore 46 (FIG. 4) which in turn is in fluid communication with an inflation manifold of any inflatable device so that the gas exiting the cartridge rapidly inflates such device.
- third bore 46 FIG. 4
- tubular member 22 is less than that of the corresponding part of the piercing pins of the prior art because boss 20 supports the base of tubular member 22.
- tubular member 22 would have a greater longitudinal extent, i.e., it would be supported at its base by guide ring 18 and would have less structural integrity.
- Such boss-less construction is typical of prior art pins, and said pins often fail by breaking off at their base.
- a hollow pin requires a radial bore to allow gases to be routed to the inflation manifold, not shown, positioned in D-shaped bore 46, i.e., the provision of longitudinally extending passageway 30 requires the provision of radial passageway 26.
- Hollow piercing pins were not heretofore contemplated by those of ordinary skill in the art because a hollow pin of predetermined diameter would require a radial bore of substantially equal diameter, as those skilled in the science of fluid mechanics will appreciate, and a tube having a radial bore formed therein of diameter equal to that of the tube cannot be formed without adversely affecting the structural integrity of the tube, as those skilled in the mechanical arts will appreciate.
- Boss 20 in effect, increases the diameter of tubular member 22 so that radial bore 26 can be formed therein without destroying the tubular member.
- boss 20 also enables the shortening of tubular member 22 and enhances its structural integrity.
- "O" ring 37 and its retaining groove are also unique; note the oval configuration of the "O” ring and the convex protuberance 39 that circumscribes the retaining groove, said protuberance being formed in a bottom wall of said groove and said protuberance serving to prevent facile deformation and flattening of "O" ring 37.
- the retaining groove is concentric with fourth bore 34.
- the inflator and pin are characterized by structural simplicity, yet the apparatus performs its intended function even more capably than the more complex structures of the prior art.
- this invention breaks new ground with its disclosure of a hollow piercing pin of truncate extent that is free of alignment problems and that has a means for forming a radial bore therein without structurally weakening the pin.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
- Feeding, Discharge, Calcimining, Fusing, And Gas-Generation Devices (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims (9)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US07/523,154 US5058635A (en) | 1990-05-14 | 1990-05-14 | Gas cartridge inflator having hollow pin of truncate extent |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US07/523,154 US5058635A (en) | 1990-05-14 | 1990-05-14 | Gas cartridge inflator having hollow pin of truncate extent |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US5058635A true US5058635A (en) | 1991-10-22 |
Family
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US07/523,154 Expired - Lifetime US5058635A (en) | 1990-05-14 | 1990-05-14 | Gas cartridge inflator having hollow pin of truncate extent |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US5058635A (en) |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5322326A (en) * | 1991-11-09 | 1994-06-21 | Ohm Hang Sup | Triggering mechanism for inflating an air bag |
US20040061318A1 (en) * | 2000-12-11 | 2004-04-01 | Ord Richard John | Inflation device |
GB2505658A (en) * | 2012-09-05 | 2014-03-12 | Midmos Solutions Ltd | Slow Release Fluid System for Pressurised Fluid Container |
JP2014151663A (en) * | 2013-02-05 | 2014-08-25 | Nippon Koki Co Ltd | Gas bomb hole-opening device |
US10850814B2 (en) * | 2018-08-14 | 2020-12-01 | Halkey-Roberts Corporation | Large bore pierce pin for an inflator |
EP3566888B1 (en) | 2018-05-08 | 2022-01-26 | Dainese S.p.A. | Valve assembly for opening an airbag gas generator |
Citations (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2730093A (en) * | 1952-11-07 | 1956-01-10 | California Research Corp | Hand-held discharger |
US2736462A (en) * | 1952-07-18 | 1956-02-28 | Worcester Pressed Steel Compan | Inflating device |
CA526679A (en) * | 1956-06-19 | P. Rousset Rene | Means for releasing compressed gases from containers therefor | |
CA588284A (en) * | 1959-12-08 | W. Stoner Joseph | Inflatable life-saving device | |
US3024044A (en) * | 1959-05-28 | 1962-03-06 | Albert J Benevento | Pressurizing apparatus |
US3091365A (en) * | 1960-02-19 | 1963-05-28 | Normalair Ltd | Pressure releasing means |
CA684309A (en) * | 1964-04-14 | The British Oxygen Company Limited | Appliance for dispensing pressure fluid | |
US3169665A (en) * | 1962-08-01 | 1965-02-16 | Goodrich Co B F | Inflating apparatus |
US3591877A (en) * | 1969-07-14 | 1971-07-13 | Amf Inc | Combination oral and cartridge inflator for life preserver vest |
US3809288A (en) * | 1973-03-26 | 1974-05-07 | G Mackal | Inflation manifold |
US3815783A (en) * | 1971-04-03 | 1974-06-11 | Tokyo Toyo Rubber Ind Co Ltd | Gas filling apparatus for inflatable floats |
US3997079A (en) * | 1974-04-17 | 1976-12-14 | Wolfgang Niemann | Automatic inflating device for lifesaving devices |
US4223805A (en) * | 1978-08-04 | 1980-09-23 | Mackal Glenn H | Automatic inflator |
US4267944A (en) * | 1978-08-07 | 1981-05-19 | Mackal Glenn H | Automatic inflator |
US4489855A (en) * | 1982-08-27 | 1984-12-25 | Code Manufacturing, Inc. | Instant tire inflator |
US4498605A (en) * | 1982-07-29 | 1985-02-12 | Halkey-Roberts Corporation | Automatic inflator |
US4946067A (en) * | 1989-06-07 | 1990-08-07 | Wickes Manufacturing Company | Inflation valve with actuating lever interlock |
-
1990
- 1990-05-14 US US07/523,154 patent/US5058635A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Patent Citations (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CA526679A (en) * | 1956-06-19 | P. Rousset Rene | Means for releasing compressed gases from containers therefor | |
CA588284A (en) * | 1959-12-08 | W. Stoner Joseph | Inflatable life-saving device | |
CA684309A (en) * | 1964-04-14 | The British Oxygen Company Limited | Appliance for dispensing pressure fluid | |
US2736462A (en) * | 1952-07-18 | 1956-02-28 | Worcester Pressed Steel Compan | Inflating device |
US2730093A (en) * | 1952-11-07 | 1956-01-10 | California Research Corp | Hand-held discharger |
US3024044A (en) * | 1959-05-28 | 1962-03-06 | Albert J Benevento | Pressurizing apparatus |
US3091365A (en) * | 1960-02-19 | 1963-05-28 | Normalair Ltd | Pressure releasing means |
US3169665A (en) * | 1962-08-01 | 1965-02-16 | Goodrich Co B F | Inflating apparatus |
US3591877A (en) * | 1969-07-14 | 1971-07-13 | Amf Inc | Combination oral and cartridge inflator for life preserver vest |
US3815783A (en) * | 1971-04-03 | 1974-06-11 | Tokyo Toyo Rubber Ind Co Ltd | Gas filling apparatus for inflatable floats |
US3809288A (en) * | 1973-03-26 | 1974-05-07 | G Mackal | Inflation manifold |
US3997079A (en) * | 1974-04-17 | 1976-12-14 | Wolfgang Niemann | Automatic inflating device for lifesaving devices |
US4223805A (en) * | 1978-08-04 | 1980-09-23 | Mackal Glenn H | Automatic inflator |
US4267944A (en) * | 1978-08-07 | 1981-05-19 | Mackal Glenn H | Automatic inflator |
US4498605A (en) * | 1982-07-29 | 1985-02-12 | Halkey-Roberts Corporation | Automatic inflator |
US4489855A (en) * | 1982-08-27 | 1984-12-25 | Code Manufacturing, Inc. | Instant tire inflator |
US4946067A (en) * | 1989-06-07 | 1990-08-07 | Wickes Manufacturing Company | Inflation valve with actuating lever interlock |
Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5322326A (en) * | 1991-11-09 | 1994-06-21 | Ohm Hang Sup | Triggering mechanism for inflating an air bag |
US20040061318A1 (en) * | 2000-12-11 | 2004-04-01 | Ord Richard John | Inflation device |
GB2505658A (en) * | 2012-09-05 | 2014-03-12 | Midmos Solutions Ltd | Slow Release Fluid System for Pressurised Fluid Container |
WO2014037694A2 (en) * | 2012-09-05 | 2014-03-13 | Midmos Solutions Limited | A controlled fluid release system and an insect trap or monitor incorporating such a release system |
WO2014037694A3 (en) * | 2012-09-05 | 2014-09-18 | Midmos Solutions Limited | A controlled fluid release system and an insect trap or monitor incorporating such a release system and according method of use |
JP2014151663A (en) * | 2013-02-05 | 2014-08-25 | Nippon Koki Co Ltd | Gas bomb hole-opening device |
EP3566888B1 (en) | 2018-05-08 | 2022-01-26 | Dainese S.p.A. | Valve assembly for opening an airbag gas generator |
US10850814B2 (en) * | 2018-08-14 | 2020-12-01 | Halkey-Roberts Corporation | Large bore pierce pin for an inflator |
EP3837161A4 (en) * | 2018-08-14 | 2022-09-07 | Halkey-Roberts Corporation | Large bore pierce pin for an inflator |
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Owner name: HALKEY-ROBERTS CORPORATION, FLORIDA Free format text: CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE ASSIGNEE NAME. DOCUMENT PREVIOUSLY RECORDED AT REEL 8907 FRAME 0040;ASSIGNORS:MACKAL, GLENN H.;HENRY ENGINEERING CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:013372/0041 Effective date: 19971202 |
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